• Pour-on method
  • 5-year warranty
  • Licensed & insured
(312) 912-0000 Call or Text • 24/7
Get a Free Quote

Chicago · pour-on method

Bathtub Refinishing in Chicago — Pour-On Method, No Demolition

Cast iron and steel tubs refinished on site in one visit. No demolition, no overspray, ready to use in 24 hours — backed by a 5-year warranty.

  • Tub stays in place — tile and plumbing untouched
  • 3–4 hours on site, back in use the next day
  • Low-odor coating — you can stay home
(312) 912-0000 Call or Text • 24/7
Free quote · reply within the hour

Get Your Free Quote

Send a photo of your tub — we’ll text back with a price and open dates.

Blank Form (#3)
To Receive an Estimate or to Schedule Work
Enter Your Phone Number and Get a
Free Quote!
Chicago bathtub refinishing

Bathtub reglazing that looks new — without replacement

We refinish bathtubs across Chicago — in apartments, condos, vintage walk-ups, and single-family homes. Our pour-on coating restores a porcelain, cast-iron, or steel tub in one visit: the tub stays in place, tile and walls stay untouched, and there are no overnight fumes.

$435
Starting price, tax included
3–4 hrs
On-site, one visit
24 hrs
Ready for normal use
5 yrs
Warranty · 7–15 yrs of service

Pour-on system

What the pour-on method does

The coating is poured directly onto the tub and self-levels into a smooth, glossy finish — no spray gun, no airborne particles, no overspray on tile or fixtures.

  • For you: no sealed-off bathroom, no lingering chemical smell after the technician leaves.
  • For the finish: even thickness across the entire surface — no spray pattern, no dry spots.
  • For the schedule: 3–4 hours on site, tub back in use in 24 hours.

Replacing a tub means plumbing work, tile damage, and days of disruption — especially in older Chicago buildings where the tub is built into the wall. Refinishing is the practical alternative.

After
AFTER
Before
BEFORE

Drag the handle — one visit, pour-on method

Why refinish

Advantages of bathtub refinishing

Refinishing isn’t just cheaper than replacing — it fits real life in a busy building or a quick turnover.

blank

Costs less than replacement

A fraction of a new tub

No removal, no plumbing rework, no tile repair, no new tub to buy and haul up the stairs.

blank

Done in one visit

3–4 hours on site

The tub is ready to use in about 24 hours — no overnight stay elsewhere.

blank

No overspray, low-odor

Room usable the same day

The pour-on method means no airborne coating in the bathroom. With ventilation, the room is usable the same day.

blank

5-year warranty

7–15 years of service

With reasonable care, a professionally refinished surface holds up for over a decade.

blank

Smoother than the original

No spray texture, no orange peel

A properly poured finish is easier to clean and resists soap scum and lime scale buildup.

blank

Works on what you have

Cast iron · steel · porcelain

Standard alcove tubs, clawfoots, and older spec tubs — the same method applies.

Three things decide whether a refinished tub lasts 2 years or 12: the coating system, the surface preparation, and the technician’s hand. Cheap coatings peel. Skipped prep peels. Rushed application leaves brush marks, dry spots, or thin areas that fail first.

We use one proven pour-on system, follow the same preparation steps on every job, and don’t take shortcuts when the schedule gets tight. That’s why our work carries a 5-year warranty.

Before and after refinishing


Bathtub Refinishing — afterAFTER
Bathtub Refinishing — beforeBEFORE
Our signature service

Bathtub Refinishing

  • Pour-On Method
  • Ready in 24 hours
  • Low-odor • Low-VOC
Starting at $475 tax included · no hidden fees
Get a quote

Add-onsAdditional services

Travel fee Varies
Previously refinished Included

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is bathtub refinishing?

Question

Bathtub refinishing (also called reglazing or resurfacing) restores a tub’s surface without replacing the tub itself.

The process involves preparing the surface, repairing chips and damage, cleaning and degreasing, then applying a professional coating system. The result is a smooth, glossy finish that looks new and is easier to clean.

How long does the job take?

Time

Schedule 1–2 days in advance so we can confirm timing. The on-site work is 3–4 hours, depending on tub condition.

The tub needs about 24 hours to fully cure before normal use. Our pour-on system is low-odor, so the bathroom stays usable with ventilation while the coating sets.

Is there a guarantee?

Guarantee

Yes — 5-year warranty. With normal care, a professionally refinished surface lasts 7–15 years.

Will I smell fumes in the apartment overnight?

No chemical smell

No. Our pour-on system is low-odor and doesn’t produce overspray. Some smell is normal during the first few hours after application, but it clears with ventilation. You won’t be sleeping next to a chemical haze.

Can you refinish a tub in a high-rise condo?

Building

Yes. We work in high-rises across the Loop, Streeterville, River North, and Gold Coast regularly. We coordinate with building management on COIs and freight elevator access when needed.

What kinds of tubs can be refinished?

Jacuzzi

Cast iron, steel, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, stone, and Jacuzzi tubs. The pour-on method works on all of them. We also refinish sinks and shower pans.

How do I take care of the tub afterward?

Take care

No abrasive cleaners, no powder cleansers, no bleach-soaked rags left on the surface. Use a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Don’t stand bath mats with suction cups on the surface 24/7 — lift them between uses. That’s it.

When it makes sense

Replacement isn’t always practical

In Chicago apartments, condos, and pre-war buildings it’s often the worst option: the tub is built into a tiled alcove, and pulling it out means breaking tile, opening walls, and redoing plumbing.

The pour-on method works especially well when:

  • the tub is an unusual size or shape — claw-foot, drop-in, older spec tubs;
  • replacement would damage surrounding tile or walls;
  • the work needs to be done fast — tenant turnover, sale, guest visit;
  • you want a glossy finish without a week of construction.
Refinished tub in Chicago

Chipped, peeling, stained, and rough surfaces — restored, smooth, and sealed

Pour-on vs spray

Why the method matters

Most bathtub refinishing in the U.S. is done with a spray gun. Pour-on is different — here’s how it compares.

Our method

Pour-on

Self-leveling
  • Coating stays where it’s poured — no overspray on tile, mirrors, or floor
  • Low-odor: the smell clears with ventilation within hours
  • Uniform thickness and gloss across the whole surface
  • Glass-smooth finish — closer to how the tub looked when new
  • No aerosolized coating — safer for you and the technician
Industry standard

Spray

Operator-dependent
  • Fine coating particles in the air — the whole bathroom masked in plastic
  • Solvent-based coatings off-gas for 24–48 hours
  • Thickness depends on the operator’s hand — thin spots wear first
  • “Orange peel” texture visible under reflected light
  • Respirator-grade fumes in the home for a day or more

How the work is done

Six steps, one visit

Most tubs take 3–4 hours on site and are back in use the next day.

Stage 1 Surface preparation
Sanding the old bathtub finish with a grinder

Sanding

The drain and overflow plate come off first. The whole tub is sanded with a grinder: the old finish, rust, lime scale and silicone come off, chips and cracks are leveled, and the surface is roughed up so the new coat has something to grip.

Scrubbing the bathtub with an abrasive cleaner

Etching & scrubbing

The tub is etched with acid for a few minutes and rinsed, then scrubbed with an abrasive cleaner and a stiff brush. This opens the old enamel so the new coating bonds.

Wiping the bathtub down with alcohol

Drying & alcohol wipe

The tub is dried completely — every seam and corner — then wiped down with alcohol. No moisture, no oils, no dust between the tub and the coat.

Stage 2 Sealing and pouring
Sealing the tub-to-wall seam with a caulk gun

Sealing & masking

The seam between tub and wall is resealed along the whole perimeter, and the tile, faucet and drain are masked off. The seam ends up under the new finish — no caulk line.

Pouring the coating onto the bathtub

Pour-on application

Resin and hardener are measured by weight, not by eye, then poured directly onto the tub. The coating self-levels into a uniform film — the technician releases air, controls thickness at the edges, and ensures even coverage on the bottom, sides, and rim.

Freshly refinished bathtub with a glossy white finish

Curing — ready in 24 hours

No water, no weight, and no cleaning products for 24 hours. After that the tub is ready for normal use.

Why prep matters: preparation is what fails first when a tub is refinished badly. A coating poured over a poorly prepped surface looks fine for a few months — and then peels.


Our workBefore and after

more reviews
@citytub

Follow us on Instagram

No spray. No fumes cloud. Just a thick, glossy coat poured on by hand 🛁✨
We refinish cast iron and blankcitytub1 month ago No spray. No fumes cloud. Just a thick, glossy coat poured on by hand 🛁✨ We refinish cast iron and steel tubs with a pour-on coating — rim, walls, bottom and the front apron too. The result is a smooth, even finish that looks and feels like a brand-new tub, without tearing anything out. Watch it go from worn to white in under a minute 👆 📍 Serving NYC and Chicago 📩 Tap the link in bio for a free quote — or DM us #bathtubrefinishing #tubrefinishing #bathtubreglazing #pouronbathtub #castirontub From worn out to like new ✨ Full bathtub refinishing with a pour-on coating, no spraying. Cast iron blankcitytub1 month ago From worn out to like new ✨ Full bathtub refinishing with a pour-on coating, no spraying. Cast iron and steel tubs only. Serving New York City. Want a quote? DM us a photo of your tub and your ZIP code, and we’ll get back to you with a price. #bathtubrefinishing #tubrefinishing #nyc #newyork #beforeandafter Bathtub Refinishing NYC — Cast Iron Tub Restored with Pour-On Coating #Shorts
Cast iron bathtub ref blankcitytub3 months ago Bathtub Refinishing NYC — Cast Iron Tub Restored with Pour-On Coating #Shorts Cast iron bathtub refinishing in New York City. We restore worn, stained, and chipped cast iron and steel bathtubs right in your bathroom — no removal, no demolition. Our coating is poured on, not sprayed. That gives a thicker, more even, glass-like finish than standard spray refinishing, with no overspray in your home. Serving all five boroughs. Homeowners, landlords, property managers, and contractors welcome. Call or text for a free estimate: 212-830-0000 More: https://nytubs.com #bathtubrefinishing #bathtubrestoration #castironbathtub #nyc newyorkcity bathroomremodel tubreglazing beforeandafter diyhomeimprovement satisfying shorts NYC bathtub transformation 🛁✨
Pour-on refinishing process + clean, glossy final result.
Odorless fin blankcitytub8 months ago NYC bathtub transformation 🛁✨ Pour-on refinishing process + clean, glossy final result. Odorless finish, ready to use in 24 hours. 📍New York City DM to book an appointment. #BathtubRefinishing #BathtubRestoration #TubReglazing #NYC #Brooklyn Queens Manhattan Bronx StatenIsland BeforeAndAfter HomeImprovement CityTub NewYorkTubs https://citytub.com Old tub to glossy white in one visit 🔥 Pour-on method (no spray).
Save this video & message us for a blankcitytub9 months ago Old tub to glossy white in one visit 🔥 Pour-on method (no spray). Save this video & message us for availability. #bathtubrefinishing #tubreglazing #nyc #brooklyn #queens bathroomrenovation beforeandafter citytub.com This is NOT spray paint — it’s a different method.
We use a pour-on, self-leveling material — no sme blankcitytub11 months ago This is NOT spray paint — it’s a different method. We use a pour-on, self-leveling material — no smell, no peeling, and no overspray. ✅ Durable ✅ Glossy ✅ Ready in 24h Perfect for cast iron & steel tubs. 📍 Based in NYC DM to book or ask questions. #BathtubRefinishing #PourOnMethod #NotSprayPaint #NYC #Bathroom #NewYorkTubs #CityTub #BeforeAndAfter https://nytubs.com Watch the real bathtub refinishing process using the pour-on method — no spray guns, no strong odor, blankcitytub2 years ago Watch the real bathtub refinishing process using the pour-on method — no spray guns, no strong odor, and a glossy finish that lasts up to 15 years. 📚 Want to learn how to do it yourself? Download the FREE step-by-step guide: https://tugbaev.com/guide #BathtubRefinishing #PourOnMethod #BathroomRenovation #HomeImprovement #DIY #Shorts #BeforeAndAfter #CityTub This video shows selected moments from a bathtub reglazing project in Brooklyn using high-quality li blankcitytub2 years ago This video shows selected moments from a bathtub reglazing project in Brooklyn using high-quality liquid acrylic. It’s not the full restoration process, but rather a few highlights — including the final glossy result. At the end, we run a coin across the surface to test the durability of the finish. No scratches. No marks. Just a tough, long-lasting coating. If you’re considering restoring your tub in NYC — this is what quality results look like. Serving all of Brooklyn and nearby areas. #BathtubReglazing #Brooklyn #NY #LiquidAcrylic #TubRestoration #DurabilityTest #BeforeAndAfter https://nytubs.com
Service area

We cover Chicago and the suburbs

High-rises in the Loop, Streeterville, River North, and Gold Coast — we coordinate COIs and freight-elevator access with building management when needed.

Loop
River North
Streeterville
Gold Coast
Lincoln Park
Lakeview
Wicker Park
Logan Square
Hyde Park
Naperville
Elgin

When you’re ready, send us a few photos of your tub and your zip code through the form below. We’ll send back a quote and a few open dates within the next few hours. Most jobs get scheduled within the same week.

Book with confidence

Four promises on every job

  • 5-year written warranty. If the finish fails under normal use, we come back and fix it.
  • Ready in 24 hours. Use your tub again the next day — no stay elsewhere.
  • Fully licensed & insured. COI provided for condo and co-op buildings on request.
  • Odorless premium materials. No solvents, no fumes — safe for family and pets.
Free quote · reply within the hour

Get Your Free Quote

Send a photo of your tub — we’ll text back with a price and open dates.

Bottom Form
GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Free quote · reply within the hour

Get Your Free Quote

Send a photo of your tub — we’ll text back with a price and open dates.

Popup Form
Get a Free Quote
Free quote · reply within the hour

Get Your Free Quote

Send a photo of your tub — we’ll text back with a price and open dates.

Popup Form
Get a Free Quote
GET A QUOTE